CNN: Democrats accuse GOP of inciting mobs
The Democratic National Committee will amplify its charge that Republicans are responsible for “inciting angry mobs of a small number of rabid right wing extremists … to disrupt” town hall meetings in a new 65 second Web video that will release Wednesday morning.

CNN: Senate passage of cash for clunkers now likely
The Senate will okay new funding for the "cash for clunkers" program before leaving this week for the August recess, Senate leaders from each party predicted Tuesday, clearing the way for the surprisingly popular program to continue uninterrupted.

CNN: Senate begins final Sotomayor debate
The full Senate began deliberations Tuesday afternoon on the nomination of federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor to become the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice.

CNN: Commentary: More troops needed for Afghan war
CNN's Barbara Starr reported last week that Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, is expected to ask the Obama administration for additional troops and equipment for conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as more military resources to deal with roadside bombs and explosives.

CNN: Stimulus debate rolls on in Virginia governor's race
When the Republican-controlled Virginia House of Delegates voted in April to reject $125 million in stimulus funding for unemployment benefits, they guaranteed that the ideological fight over the federal money would spill over into this year's closely-watched governor's race.

New York Times: For Health Insurers’ Lobbyist, Good Will Is Tested
For the insurance industry, long an opponent of health care reform, it was a striking change: with a new administration coming to Washington, insurers agreed to abandon some of their most controversial practices, like denying coverage to applicants with pre-existing medical conditions.

Washington Post: Leadership Vacancy Raises Fears About USAID's Future
As Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton begins a seven-country African trip with a visit to Kenya, the main U.S. foreign aid agency is in limbo, entering its seventh month without a permanent director despite pledges by the Obama administration to expand development assistance and improve its effectiveness in poor countries.

Washington Post: Leahy Blocks Positive Report on Mexico's Rights Record
A key senator rejected a State Department plan to issue a report this week affirming that Mexico is respecting human rights in its war against drug traffickers, delaying the release of millions of dollars in U.S. anti-narcotics assistance, according to U.S. officials and congressional sources.

New York Times: Russian Subs Patrolling Off East Coast of U.S.
A pair of nuclear-powered Russian attack submarines has been patrolling off the eastern seaboard of the United States in recent days, a rare mission that has raised concerns inside the Pentagon and intelligence agencies about a more assertive stance by the Russian military.

New York Times: New York Seeks Millions in Tax From Lehman
Ever since Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy last September, creditors have been lining up to get their share, from a $233 million claim from a former employee for deferred compensation to one for $160 for a bounced check from the American Red Cross in Millburn, N.J.

Washington Post: Bank Balances Shift With Rule Changes
A controversial change in accounting rules earlier this year has allowed banks to claim billions of dollars in additional earnings simply by tweaking their bookkeeping, greatly enhancing the appearance that the industry is returning to health.

The Democratic National Committee will amplify its charge that Republicans are responsible for “inciting angry mobs of a small number of rabid right wing extremists … to disrupt” town hall meetings in a new 65 second Web video that will release Wednesday morning.